The builders claim that they have processed all papers for procuring occupancy certificates from the Noida Authority and it is only a matter of time before they get them.Sharmila Bhowmick | TNN | July 25, 2016, 07:46 IST

File photoNOIDA: Over 350 residents of Skytech Mattrot, a residential complex in sector 76, Noida took to the streets to protest against builders for delays in procuring occupancy certificates from Noida Authority. The residents claim that out of total 716 flat buyers, 450 have moved into their apartments and are living without occupancy certificates. In all 550 handovers have been done.

“We fear that with the stamp duty and circle rates slated to go up, the buyers would have to bear the brunt of extra expenses. We have been pressing for a speedy processing of procuring occupancy certificate, but nothing has taken place,” Saurabh Sinha, a resident of Skytech who participated in the demonstration on Sunday, said.

“The residents have been facing multipronged problems starting with charges to maintenance quality. The occupancy certificates and registration concerns are immediate. We are the only apartment complex in the vicinity which has not got the certificates,” Gurpreet Singh, a Skytech resident, present at the protests, said. The residents displayed banners and shouted slogans, stating their claims.

“People have purchased stamp-papers, months ahead, waiting to get their houses registered. Nothing has moved. We are feeling impatient now,” Sinha added. The buyers claim to have sent a letter to the builder stating their concerns.

Meanwhile, the builders claim that they have processed all papers for procuring occupancy certificates from the Noida Authority and it is only a matter of time before they get them.

“We have processed all paper work and the application for the procurement of OC has been made with the Noida authority. The processing of documents for occupancy, takes time, so the buyers need to be patient. We have communicated this to them previously. We hope that the apartments would be granted OC by the end of year,” Mayank Chawla, Director, Skytech group, said.

Currently, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied at 12 per cent on payments made for under-construction property or ready-to-move-in flats where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale.